2012 Update

With the holidays over, I have been diligently sending manuscripts to publishers and agents.  The waiting process can be annoying, but I keep myself busy with other tasks.  I have my I Otter Be illustrations to draw and keep my skills honed until I decide to write another picture book.  I also have my unfinished stories to write and research.

My current story of a blacksmith’s quest, The Ruby’s Cell, has become quite long.  At fifteen chapters, I am almost finished.  My kids are eager to get their hands on it and give me some feedback.  I can’t believe I am admitting this, but it is nice having critics in the house.  My son likes the characters I have included in the story.  He actually helped me in the development of two of them.  They tend to be a comedic element that helps lighten the mood of the story.

I also have to give credit to my uncle who helped me in some research on metals and stones.  Research is very important in writing.  It allows the author to give accurate details to make the story more believable.  My uncle is a gemologist and aided me in finding a solution to our hero’s quest.  Without his help, I would most likely end up with a dead end story.

So, I continue to write, draw, and wait while I fold laundry and chauffeur my kids around town.  While I am an author and illustrator, I will always be a mom first.